Thursday, September 30, 2010

Open backs can be tricky. First of all, you have to have a nice back, and I despise back exercises. And second, too much back can look skanky. But the triangle cutout back on this dress shows just enough skin. And it has buttons and patch pockets - two of my favorite details.

P.S. Sorry for being MIA the past couple days - I've had some top secret stuff going on I'm hoping to share with you soon.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Everything about this skirt is wrong. The mesh overlay, awkward length and half exposed legs should all add up to be a fashion disaster, right? Well somehow, it does the complete opposite. I love it. I The styling is good, except I'd opt for a non midriff-baring top, an extra-long grandpa cardigan and flat combat boots.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Today it is nearly 90 degrees and the gold and rust colored leaves are falling and circling my feet. What an amazing way to start the season. What are you up to this weekend? The boy is out of town all weekend so I'm living it up like a bachelorette. This photo reminds me of my secret single behavior (yes, that's a Sex and the City reference). I totally used to sit on the couch backwards and watch TV. Call me crazy, but I liked the rush of blood to my head. I also would paint my toenails on the coffee table, recite lines out loud while watching John Hughes movies and eat chocolate chips out of the bag - all of which I have planned for this weekend. I'm also running a 5-mile road race for a local animal shelter, Lollypop Farm. Without their amazing dedication to rescuing animals, I would have never met Brooklyn.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Normally I find Judith Leiber clutches obnoxious and cheesy. But somehow throw a rhinestone owl into the mix and suddenly I'm in love. And I wouldn't just wear it with a cocktail dress - I'd pair it with black skinny jeans and a tee, too.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

I tend to get fixated on finding a specific item, and right now I'm on the hunt for the perfect winter coat. Upstate New York winters are very unforgiving, so it's absolutely necessary the coat be 1) very warm, 2) have a high neck and 3) long enough to cover my bum. I discovered Mackage browsing last night, and now I'm in love. This Canadian designer knows cold weather dwellers want to be stylish and cozy. The prices are a bit steep, but I feel like winter coats are a smart investment (and the line is also on Bluefly). I'm going to have dreams about that navy military-inspired coat.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Another weekend gone - and the last weekend of the summer, too. Saturday was lunch and shopping and Sunday I was in an iron-chef type cooking competition and our team won! I wish I would have had time to take photos of our dishes, but I was running around the kitchen. Here was our menu (that we brainstormed in 10 minutes):

- Mixed greens salad with apples and scallion over a bed of fresh beets with apple cider balsamic, lemon bitters and avocado oil.- Tea sandwich with date walnut bread and a goat cheese fennel puree- Surf and Turf: Steak marinated in chocolate balsamic olive oil and cinnamon balsamic with a potato and carrot salad and smoked scallops paired with a blackberry and white wine sauce- Nut and raisin no bake cookie with marshmallow inside, coated with dark chocolate and cayenne pepper with granola on top- Traminette mulled wine with lemon bitters and cherry bitters, apple juice and cherry juice

Sadly, I didn't get to taste everything, but it must have been delicious. Hope you had a wonderful end of summer weekend.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Oh Marchesa. So impractical for the everyday girl but so beautiful to look at. The muted hues paired with the dramatic shapes make for a gorgeous and innovative collection. But what's with the models? I know Marchesa does a showcase and not a runway show, but damn those girls look bored out of their minds.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Since Fashion Week is filled with clothes most of us will never be able to afford, I thought I'd feature a spring-y piece we could all afford (or at least put on our credit card and never notice a difference). At first look, this floral racerback dress looks like a typical floral print, but when you look closer, the print resembles an impressionist painting. Pair it with tights and an extra-long cardigan to carry it into fall.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Everyone's going to be buzzing about Marc Jacobs's show yesterday, but because I am a MJ label whore, I just have to share my favorite looks. His collection was feminine, airy and just plain beautiful. Gigantic flowers, stripes and frizzy hair are back.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Well, I did it! I finished the marathon. I smiled the whole time and cried at the end. It was an amazing feeling to cross the finish line. My aunt described running distance races as a "wonderful torture." That might explain why I have the bug to do another one. As far as the rest of my weekend goes, there's nothing else to report. Hopefully now my life can get back to normal a little bit. At least until next year.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

After months and months of training, this Sunday marks my first marathon. (I have a picture of delectable pancakes because I've chosen banana walnut pancakes as my last meal on Saturday afternoon.) My only goal is to finish (in one piece) with a smile on my face.

A lot of people have asked me why I decided to run 26.2 miles. Honestly, my only answer is, "Why not?" It's a goal I've thought about for a long time but never really had a reason behind it. Maybe it's for glory or to check it off my bucket list, but more than anything, I hope it inspires me to accomplish things I never thought I could do before.

It's been a while since I featured an item from Topshop. I visited the store while I was in London and I was so underwhelmed. It was like an overpriced Forever 21. But their new website is much more user friendly, and I found this gem of a top. This cropped sequin blouse works for day or night with black skinny pants or this (surprisingly affordable) leather skirt.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Chartreuse! What a color. The classic silk shirtdress channels the 60s with this bold hue (can't you see one of the Mad Men girls wearing this?). And the three-quarter sleeves make it perfect for fall.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Ever wish there was a Ctrl + Z for all your oops moments in life (like that time I hit reply all on an e-mail to my work BFF or when I actually told a friend I hated her haircut)? Well at least there's this card to say sorry in an adorable (and slightly dorky) way.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Alright boys, I'm gunning for you today. From my observation, the only men in the U.S. who dress like this are either gay or on the golf course (this man is from Milan). There's nothing wrong with tucking in your shirt and looking stylish and put together. Just like with women's apparel, the less material and the better tailored the clothes, the thinner you look - Europeans and gays alike know this. How about you baggy jeans-wearing, extra large t-shirt sporting men make steps toward a more fashionable life? I'm not saying everyone should dress like Mr. Italy here, but how about a nice pair of tailored pants and a crisp white oxford shirt (in your actual size) to start? And don't forget about the power watch. If you're feeling extra manly, go for a leather satchel. Don't you ever wish you could carry other things around besides your keys and wallets? Thought so.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sweater dresses might just be the perfect fall piece. They give you the best of both worlds - style and warmth. And you can have fun with stockings and boots. This bombshell lipstick red beaded sweater dress channels the 1960s (I've been watching too much Mad Men), and will transition from fall to (gasp) winter.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

This year I'm in the market for a new winter coat, but it seems chic outerwear keeps getting pricier and pricier. This wool, military inspired Leifsdottir coat is timelessly stylish - and also comes with a hefty price tag of $548. I'm sure once the winter coat season debuts, there will be similar options for much less. Or maybe this one will go on sale. A girl can hope.

About Me

Welcome! I'm Emily and I'm a brand new vegan. I'm here to chronicle my adventures in the grocery aisles and ordering at restaurants. I'm also a fashion blogger (check it out at www.emilyshearing.com) and work as a journalist in Rochester, NY. I love to hear from you. E-mail me at ekshearing at gmail.com or follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/emilyshearing.